"Historically we’ve relied on the availability of skilled migrant workers from the EU," he said. "That has been extremely difficult. But we’ve filled that labour gap from the Philippines."

‘One of the biggest blows to our productivity – and a self-inflicted one – was leaving Europe’s single market,’ says Michael Day.

Ministers are rapidly planning an overseas hiring spree to plug critical holes in the NHS and social care sector. / It took less than 24 hours for The Telegraph to pen a column about how the new plan constitutes a “Brexit betrayal”.